India’s Strategy to Address Reciprocal Tariffs

India is looking to mitigate the effects of U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs, set to take effect from April 2. These tariffs are expected to disrupt global markets, prompting urgent responses from policymakers. Internal estimates suggest they could impact 87% of India’s total exports to the U.S., valued at $66 billion, as per news reports.

To offset these risks, India is considering reducing tariffs on 55% of U.S. imports currently subjected to duties between 5% and 30%. Some tariffs may be significantly lowered or removed altogether on goods exceeding $23 billion in value.

Trade Negotiations and Future Outlook

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. in February 2025, both nations agreed to initiate discussions for an early trade deal to resolve tariff-related disputes. New Delhi is keen to finalise an agreement before the reciprocal tariffs take effect.

The U.S. maintains a trade deficit of $45.6 billion with India, with a trade-weighted average tariff of 2.2%, compared to India’s 12%. Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, Brendan Lynch, is set to lead a delegation for trade discussions from March 25, 2025.

Meanwhile, India is also exploring broader tariff reforms to lower trade barriers uniformly. However, these discussions remain in the early stages and may not be immediately addressed in talks with the U.S.

Conclusion

India’s move to reduce tariffs on U.S. imports reflects its efforts to safeguard exports and ease trade tensions. While the immediate focus is on securing a deal before the new tariffs take effect, broader trade policy reforms remain under consideration.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

In recent years, the Government of India has made significant strides in providing financial assistance to fishers and fish farmers to support the development of the fisheries sector. The introduction of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme for fishers, along with other schemes like the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), has aimed to strengthen the sector by enhancing credit access and providing social security measures. This article will explore these schemes in detail.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for Fishers and Fish Farmers

In 2018-19, the Government of India extended the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) facility to fishers and fish farmers, enabling them to meet their working capital requirements. Under this scheme, fishers can avail KCC loans of up to ₹2 lakh at a subsidised interest rate of 7%.

To further support fishers, the government provides an upfront Interest Subvention (IS) of 1.5%, making the loan more affordable. For farmers who repay their loans on time, a Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI) of 3% is provided, reducing the effective interest rate to just 4% per annum.

Additionally, as of 1st January 2025, the loan limit for KCC under the fisheries sector will be enhanced from ₹1.60 lakh to ₹2 lakh. Furthermore, the Union Budget 2025-26 has announced an increase in the KCC lending limit to ₹5 lakh for fishers, farmers, processors, and other stakeholders in the fisheries industry.

As of now, over 4.6 lakh KCC cards have been issued to fishers and fish farmers, amounting to a total loan disbursal of ₹2982.58 crore across various states and union territories in India.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

The Government of India has also introduced the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF), a financial mechanism to develop fisheries infrastructure. This scheme, launched in the 2018-19 financial year, has a total fund size of ₹7522.48 crore.

FIDF aims to provide concessional finance for developing various fisheries infrastructure facilities across the country. The eligible entities, such as state governments, union territories, and other stakeholders, can avail financial support to develop fisheries infrastructure.

Under the FIDF, the government provides an interest subvention of up to 3% per annum, reducing the cost of financing for eligible entities. To date, a total of 141 projects, with an outlay of ₹3947.54 crore, have been approved under this scheme.

Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY): Social Security for Fishers

In addition to financial support, the Government of India has also introduced social security measures for fishers under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). One of the key components of this scheme is the provision of Group Accidental Insurance Coverage for fishers.

The entire insurance premium is borne by the central and state governments, with no contribution from the beneficiaries themselves. The coverage includes:

• ₹5,00,000 for death or permanent total disability.
  
• ₹2,50,000 for permanent partial disability.
  
• ₹25,000 for hospitalization expenses due to an accident.
  

This initiative has helped secure the welfare of fishers across India. From 2021 to 2024, more than 131.30 lakh fishers have been enrolled in the scheme, with an average of 32.82 lakh fishers enrolled annually.

Conclusion

The Government of India’s initiatives for fishers and fish farmers, including the Kisan Credit Card scheme, the Fisheries Infrastructure Fund, and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, have played a vital role in boosting the sector. These efforts not only provide financial support but also ensure social security for fishers, helping them sustain and grow their businesses. With increased lending limits and enhanced financial infrastructure, the future of the fisheries sector looks promising.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

The National AYUSH Mission (NAM), implemented by the Ministry of AYUSH, has been at the forefront of promoting and developing traditional Indian systems of medicine. With the aim to integrate these systems with modern healthcare practices, NAM has been instrumental in delivering financial assistance and infrastructural support to various states and union territories (UTs). Over the past five years, this mission has garnered significant attention for its efforts to boost the AYUSH systems across the country.

Financial Assistance: ₹276,529.87 Lakhs Allocated

The Ministry of AYUSH has provided a substantial sum of ₹276,529.87 Lakhs as financial assistance to various states and UTs. This financial support has been directed towards the overall promotion of AYUSH systems, in line with the objectives outlined in NAM guidelines. The funds have been used for diverse activities, ranging from infrastructure development to improving the supply of medicines and resources for AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries.

This substantial financial allocation underscores the government’s commitment to promoting traditional healthcare practices while integrating them into the national health framework. The state/UT governments are required to submit their proposals through State Annual Action Plans (SAAPs), ensuring that the funds are utilised in alignment with local healthcare needs and priorities.

Establishment of 145 Integrated AYUSH Hospitals (IAHs)

In line with its mission to expand AYUSH healthcare services, the Ministry of AYUSH has approved the establishment of 145 Integrated AYUSH Hospitals (IAHs) across the country during the last five years. These hospitals are designed to provide holistic healthcare by combining traditional AYUSH systems with conventional medical practices, offering a comprehensive healthcare experience to patients.

The establishment of these hospitals has contributed significantly to improving access to alternative medicine, especially in underserved regions, where AYUSH practices have deep roots. The government’s support for IAHs has fostered a growing interest in these systems of healthcare, benefiting a large number of citizens.

Supporting Existing AYUSH Hospitals and Dispensaries

In addition to the establishment of new Integrated AYUSH Hospitals, the Ministry of AYUSH has provided continuous support to existing AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries. This includes funding for the supply of medicines, as well as upgrades to the infrastructure and facilities of existing healthcare units. These measures have helped ensure that AYUSH hospitals remain equipped to serve the growing number of patients seeking traditional healthcare services.

The assistance provided through NAM ensures that AYUSH hospitals and dispensaries continue to thrive, supporting a balanced approach to healthcare that integrates both modern and traditional medical systems.

The Concept of Ayush Gram

The Ayush Gram initiative is another key aspect of NAM, which aims to promote the AYUSH way of life in rural areas. Under this concept, villages are selected for the adoption of AYUSH principles and healthcare interventions. Financial assistance of ₹3.0 Lakhs per unit is provided, covering a population of 2000-3000 people in 2-3 villages within a block.

As per the proposals received from states and UTs, 699 Ayush Gram units have been supported across India during the past 5 years. These units focus on creating awareness and providing access to AYUSH-based healthcare, thus contributing to the wellbeing of rural populations. The initiative underscores the importance of integrating AYUSH practices into the everyday lives of people, particularly in rural and semi-rural areas where traditional health practices are prevalent.

Conclusion

The National AYUSH Mission has made remarkable strides over the past five years, with significant financial assistance and infrastructure development focused on strengthening AYUSH systems across the country. With the establishment of Integrated AYUSH Hospitals, continuous support for existing facilities, and the adoption of Ayush Gram units, NAM has played a pivotal role in bringing alternative medicine to the forefront of the Indian healthcare system.

As the Ministry of AYUSH continues to work in partnership with state and UT governments, the future of AYUSH in India looks promising. The continued investment in these systems not only helps preserve traditional practices but also ensures that millions of people have access to diverse and holistic healthcare options.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.

A recent report has shed light on a significant trend in the insurance industry. It reveals that 46% of all insurance-related grievances are coming from millennials, individuals aged between 25 to 38. This finding points to an emerging issue within the industry, particularly around the expectations and concerns of younger policyholders. In this blog, we will explore the key findings of the report and examine the challenges faced by different age groups when dealing with insurance companies.

Millennials: The Dominant Voice in Insurance Complaints

Millennials have proven to be the most vocal group when it comes to insurance grievances, accounting for nearly half of the complaints. Among this demographic, women are particularly active, representing 42% of the complaints. The primary issue reported by millennials is claim rejection, a problem that topped the list of grievances. Claim rejection is a common issue where policyholders face difficulties in having their claims processed or paid out.

In addition to claim rejections, millennials also raised concerns regarding the short settlement of claims, where insurers pay out less than what the policyholder expected. Another frequent issue reported is delayed claim settlements, which only adds to the frustration for customers. These factors highlight a disconnect between insurers and their younger customers, who are increasingly dissatisfied with the service they receive.

Other Age Groups: The Shift in Complaint Trends

While millennials dominate the complaints, other age groups also raised their concerns. The 39-52 age group accounted for 29% of all insurance complaints, making it the second-largest group. The 53-66 age group followed with 16% of complaints, while the 67-80 age group represented 4%. Interestingly, the oldest demographic (81-94 years) had no recorded grievances in the report, perhaps due to lower engagement with digital platforms and insurance processes.

Demographic Insights: Education and Occupation

The report also provides insights into the backgrounds of those filing complaints. A notable 62% of the complainants were employed in professional or service industries. Furthermore, 67% of the individuals lodging complaints were graduates, indicating a higher level of education among those experiencing issues with their insurance providers.

Geographical Disparities in Complaints

The report also highlights geographical disparities in insurance complaints. Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh were identified as the states with the highest number of insurance-related grievances. These regions, with large populations, seem to have the highest concentration of dissatisfied customers.

Challenges in Addressing Millennial Concerns

The findings from this report suggest that millennials are becoming more active in voicing their concerns about insurance. With this generation accounting for nearly half of the grievances, the industry must take steps to address their specific needs. More attention should be paid to the female demographic, especially in rural areas where access to information and resources might be limited. Efforts should also be made to create a more transparent and efficient claims process that reduces delays and improves customer satisfaction.

The Need for Tailored Products and Improved Redressal Mechanisms

Despite growing awareness, a significant portion of India’s population, particularly the younger generation, is still without health insurance. The report highlights that 31% of India’s population lacks health insurance, with the primary barriers being low penetration and high costs. To overcome these challenges, the insurance industry must tailor products to meet the needs of different age groups and simplify grievance redressal processes. A more consumer-friendly approach would not only address current grievances but also foster trust among younger policyholders.

Conclusion

The recent report on insurance complaints reveals crucial insights into the evolving needs of millennials and other age groups. With claim rejection, short settlement, and delays being the primary sources of dissatisfaction, insurers must look into improving their services to address these concerns. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.